The hotel star rating system explained

The number of stars a hotel has indicates the facilities you can expect. It also provides insight into how the hotel is organized, what level of service guests can expect, and what responsibilities staff members have. The more stars, the higher the standards—both in terms of amenities and staff expectations.

Are you already working in a hotel, or are you planning to work in the hospitality industry? Then it's useful to understand what the star ratings mean in practice. It gives you a clearer picture of what is expected at different types of hotels—from a cozy three-star hotel to a luxurious five-star resort.

In this article, we explain how the star rating system works and what it means for you on the job. That way, you’ll know what’s expected and how to grow within your role.

What is the star rating system?

A hotel classification indicates the level of service and the available amenities. The more stars a hotel has, the more extensive the service and the higher the level of comfort. In the Netherlands, Hotelsterren.nl is responsible for the official classification. This follows European standards, ensuring the rating is reliable and comparable to those in other countries. Participation in the system is voluntary, but many hotels choose to be rated. It offers guests clarity on what to expect and gives staff a framework to work from. The assessment is based on hundreds of criteria—from room amenities and cleaning frequency to staffing and the presence of a reception desk.

What do the stars mean for hotel staff?

1 Star – Basic service, small teams

In a 1-star hotel, you typically work in a small, close-knit team. Many of these hotels are family-run and small-scale. There are fewer fixed roles, so tasks often overlap. For example, you might help at the front desk and also assist with breakfast or cleaning. This variety requires flexibility, independence, and a practical mindset. While there’s less structure than in larger hotels, you quickly learn different aspects of the job. It's a great place to start or to gain broad experience.

Basic amenities:

  • All rooms with a private sink

  • Daily cleaning

  • Reception available (during limited hours)

  • Breakfast offered

  • TV in the room

  • Soap or shower gel available

2 Stars – Simple hotel experience

A 2-star hotel offers basic amenities and often has a limited number of rooms. The atmosphere is usually informal, and the team is small. Roles such as front office and housekeeping are often combined, so you’ll work in various parts of the hotel. This makes it ideal for hospitality beginners still exploring where they fit best. You’ll learn a lot in a short time and gain a broad understanding of hotel operations—from guest interactions to daily tasks.

Extended basics:

  • All rooms with private bathroom (shower/toilet)

  • Reading lamp by the bed

  • More varied breakfast

  • Card or credit card payment possible

  • Complaint log available

  • Luggage storage service

3 Stars – Professional structure and clear departments

In a 3-star hotel, operations are more professionally organized. The front desk is usually open longer, and there are more standard procedures. Departments like reception, housekeeping, and food & beverage (F&B) are often clearly separated with specific responsibilities per role. This structure offers clarity and career growth opportunities within departments. You’re also more likely to work with systems like a property management system (PMS) or booking software. If you're looking to deepen your skills in a particular area, a 3-star hotel is a great next step.

More comfort and service:

  • Reception staffed at least 14 hours/day, reachable 24/7 by phone

  • Multilingual service at the front desk (at least English)

  • Spacious room features (e.g., desk or seating area)

  • Hairdryer in the room

  • Drink service in the room

  • Ironing service or facilities available

4 Stars – High expectations, specialization

In a 4-star hotel, expectations are high—from both guests and management. These hotels typically offer extensive facilities such as a 24-hour reception, room service, wellness, and a full-service restaurant. Guest focus is essential, and multilingualism is often a requirement. The organization is larger and more hierarchical, with clearly defined roles like front office supervisors, concierges, and F&B managers. Quality standards and regular training are the norm. This level requires professionalism but also offers great opportunities to specialize further.

Advanced service:

  • Reception staffed 16 hours/day, reachable 24/7

  • Lobby with seating and drink service

  • Breakfast buffet or à la carte breakfast

  • Minibar or room service (at least 16 hours/day)

  • Bathrobe and slippers on request

  • Additional facilities such as wellness, fitness, or meeting rooms

5 Stars – Top service & personalized attention

In a 5-star hotel, everything revolves around luxury and top-tier service, requiring a high level of professionalism. These hotels have many specialized roles such as concierges, butlers, and guest relations staff who provide personal attention and fulfill guests' wishes. Teamwork, discretion, and guest experience are key; the goal is always to exceed expectations. The work pace is often intense, but these hotels offer significant career opportunities in international hospitality. Working at a 5-star hotel comes with great responsibility and the chance to develop your expertise in a dynamic, prestigious environment.

Luxury service & features:

  • Reception staffed 24/7

  • Porter and valet parking (on request or standard)

  • Personalized services (e.g., turndown service)

  • Multilingual staff

  • On-site restaurant (open at least 6 days/week)

  • Concierge, luggage, and laundry service within 24 hours

  • Luxurious room features with extras like pillow menus, premium bath products, etc.

Why the star rating system matters for your career

The number of stars says a lot about the work environment—and therefore what you, as an employee, can expect. Working at a 5-star hotel is often a major career move, but it also brings greater responsibilities, higher standards, and specialized tasks. In a 3-star hotel, there's often more room to gain broad experience and grow internally. The star system helps you assess which setting suits you, depending on where you are in your career and where you want to go. Additionally, the stars shape guest expectations—which directly impacts your role, pace, and way of working.

Conclusion

The star rating system is more than just a measure of luxury and amenities—it also reflects how a hotel operates and what’s expected of you as a staff member. Whether you're starting in a 1-star hotel or moving up to a 5-star environment, the stars offer guidance in understanding your responsibilities, tasks, and career opportunities. As a hospitality professional, it's smart to look at the stars not just as a guest, but as a compass for your career. By understanding what each level entails, you can better choose the work environment that suits you—and find the right place to grow.